Things to consider for your power point Each slide must be labeled. To type in the notes section, you can drag the bar up to give more space. Otherwise, you can type it up in Word and CUT AND PASTE your analysis into the notes section. Give yourself time to proofread your analysis. A power point riddled with mistakes will NOT get a 2.5 or higher.

Definition from Elements of Fiction “The theme of a piece of literature is its controlling idea or its central insight. It is the unifying generalization about life stated or implied by the story. To derive the theme of a story, we must ask what its central purpose is: what view of life it supports or what insight into life it reveals.” (90)

Theme or Thematic Message: Repeated idea or topic that is suggested throughout the book. A complete sentence, not a word or phrase (a word or phrase would be a subject). May be a message, moral, complex/deep idea. Not usually too obvious or shallow. Must take into account and fit the entire piece of literature. Not too specific, not too general (no clichés)

When writing a theme: Should be a complex or longer sentence 3 rd person, present tense, no “always”---no “you” Must be accurate to story (can support with text, NOT with your own life experience) Should apply to the book, but also to people in general, humanity, society, etc. Should not refer to any specific characters or events in the book, but… The connection to the book should be evident Ask yourself: what is the book’s message about _____ (keyword)?

Balance between universal and specific: Too universal Too specific What goes around comes around. Throughout Amir’s life he pays for his past mistakes with Hassan. You want your theme statements to be right here, in the middle. Specific enough to apply clearly to the book, but not so specific that they ONLY apply to the book and are not universal.

Balance between universal and specific: Too universal Too specific What goes around comes around. Throughout Hamlet, Hamlet has to seek revenge to move on from his father’s death. Revenge and anger cannot be what guides a person’s decision making. Sometimes forgiveness might be the best option to move on from the past.

Some examples (not from The Kite Runner) When people try to find their identity by fitting in with society’s stereotypes, it limits their individuality. When people try find their identity by fighting against society’s stereotypes, it limits their individuality just as much. When a person immerses himself in an institution, he loses his own identity. A person can find his identity by immersing himself in a larger institution. Feeling invisible makes a person powerless.

Sample Thesis Statements with Theme statement embedded 1. Hamlet’s actions as he avenges his father’s death illustrates that revenge may not be the best solution in any situation and that a person should learn to forgive and move on. 2. Benedick’s and Beatrice’s fighting and eventual engagement show that true love is about getting through the ups and the downs if it is to last.

The Great Gatsby Ms. McComb Hours 1 & 2

Hopes and dreams can motivate and challenge a person just as well as they can control and destroy a person.

Nick “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Turning Points

Symbol---Green Light

New friends… Lies... Secrets….